Physical education teachers can significantly enhance their career skills and knowledge by enrolling in online courses. These physical education teacher courses provide cutting-edge approaches to coaching and teaching physical education, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the most up-to-date methods and strategies. Participants also gain new insights into social, emotional and physical learning connections and strategies for working with children of different grade levels and abilities.
Fresno Pacific University offers many professional development courses for physical education teachers and coaches as part of its extensive catalog of online continuing education programs. The physical education teacher courses allow educators to expand their knowledge, earn graduate-level credits and meet rigorous curriculum requirements and state certification standards.
The Value of Professional Development for Teachers
The value of professional development for teachers is multifaceted, impacting both personal growth and the overall educational environment. Some of these key benefits include the following:
Enhanced teaching skills. Professional development provides teachers with the latest instructional strategies and techniques, improving their ability to engage students and foster learning.
Updated knowledge. Teachers stay current with new educational research, technology and curriculum changes, ensuring they provide relevant and effective education.
Increased confidence. Continuous learning helps teachers feel more competent and confident in their teaching abilities, leading to a more positive classroom environment.
Career advancement. Professional development can open up opportunities for career advancement, including leadership roles, higher pay and specialized positions within education.
Improved student outcomes. Teachers with advanced skills and knowledge can better support student learning, improving academic performance and overall student success.
Adaptability. Continuous learning helps teachers adapt to changing educational landscapes, including new policies, diverse student needs and innovative teaching methods.
Job satisfaction. Engaging in professional development can increase job satisfaction by providing teachers with a sense of progress and accomplishment in their careers.
Professional development is essential for teachers to maintain high standards of education, stay motivated and effectively contribute to their students' academic and personal growth. The online format allows the flexibility to accommodate learning with other personal and professional responsibilities.
Fresno Pacific University Offers Certificates in Physical Education
Fresno Pacific University offers about two dozen physical education courses through its online programs. Each is taught by a subject-matter expert, and the curriculum is designed to help PE teachers meet the demands of the modern education system.
The school also offers two professional certificates in physical education: the Coaching for Excellence Certificate and the Strength and Conditioning Certificate.
The Coaching for Excellence Certificate program prepares coaches for today’s challenges, giving them the tools to refresh their coaching strategies. As with all Fresno Pacific University courses, the material allows educators to apply what they learn on the field or court immediately.
Earning the Coaching for Excellence Certificate requires completing the Coaching: General Principles & Fundamentals course. Teachers must then choose four courses from an extensive list of electives, including baseball, basketball, cross-country running, football, swimming, volleyball and more.
The Strength and Conditioning Certificate gives educators the skills and knowledge to lead effective workouts, drills and training programs. They explore many aspects of sports knowledge, including nutrition, first aid, goal setting, off-season programs, in-season programs, restoring performance after injury and future developments in sports conditioning.
Earning the Strength and Conditioning Certificate requires earning 15 credit units (typically five courses) related to strength and conditioning. Course options include Speed Training for Sports, Strength Training for Sports and Cross Training for Sports.
Other Physical Education Teacher Courses Available Online
Apart from the two professional certificates, educators can select from various individual courses that will provide them with the professional development credits mandated by most states. Additionally, these courses help enhance their skills and expertise.
Among the options are courses on golf, tennis, walking for fitness, sports games from around the world, the history and philosophy of sports education, disc golf, pickleball and much more. Teachers can also take a Social Emotional Learning Through Sports and Physical Education course.
Every course is available online. They do not require visiting the Fresno Pacific University campus. Most courses allow one year to complete after enrollment.